The animal and wildlife forum concentrates on drawings of all animals, from domestic pets to wildlife - anything dressed in fur, feathers or scales. The emphasis is on drawing but paintings are also acceptable.

Artur, thank you so much for your comments.Thank you Laurene.Mike, the master.....thank you!!! Actually I have to be honest here, you make it seem as if I had all this planned and that I knew what I was doing.... actually it was more by luck than judgement . I just looked at the comp, moved this a bit, put that there, enlarge this bit until it feels right and sail along by the seat of my pants, so I am more than happy that I have got it right Hopefully I can get it finished this week and I can then post it. I have to get it done soon it is going into an exhibition in a couple of weeks

Bev wrote: Actually I have to be honest here, you make it seem as if I had all this planned and that I knew what I was doing.... actually it was more by luck than judgement . I just looked at the comp, moved this a bit, put that there, enlarge this bit until it feels right and sail along by the seat of my pants, so I am more than happy that I have got it right

I don't believe a word of that! No luck involved - you just have an innate sense of balance

Thank you Mike and Artur, you are both being very kind. Laurene I did your suggestion (Mikes originally) of putting in some ripples and drips from the main elephants trunk as she drinks. It definitely adds a little something.Finally ready for framing. The scan is not too good, i think it is missing quite a bit of the tones, sometimes I just cant seem to get the scanner to do a decent job, perhaps I should have scanned it in colour and then changed it to greyscale? Might try another one later.Bev

There are some drawings I just wish I could see in real life and this one is definitely one of them Bev! Mike described the composition choices that keep the eye moving throughout the drawing perfectly. When it looks effortless you know you've succeeded!

I love the negative drawing used for the treeline. It adds to the sense of depth which already exists because of the 3 elephant groups. The horizontal strips of grasses in the water not only help give a sense of depth but they also provide a path for the eye to follow.

The stance of the matriarch suggests she is protecting her family without showing aggression.

Finally, the drips and water ripples really work! (thanks to Mike's suggestion!) She looks like she has been interrupted while drinking and has stopped to face off an intruder. As the viewer I feel like the warning is meant for me!!

There's plenty of story and emotion for the viewer to enjoy. Love it!!!

Thank you Artur Laurene, Thanks so much for your observations and comments, I love the way you get all the little nuances and see the story behind the drawing (sometimes they are unintended and just seem to evolve). The way you put your observations into words is really wonderful. Thank you!Bev

Bev, there is not much more I could add. The previous posts have covered it...My take is super wow!! But I would like to make a comment on another subject, went to your website and I was blown away. Not only is your work superb but what impressed me was your ability in so many different media. Thank You...Bob

For once I got on here without having to reset my password first time !! sometimes I need to reboot my graphite art side and work like this ticks the box. You have always kicked out quality work time on time and the world just needs to see this.